Mark’s depiction of Jesus the messiah have many differences compared to the traditional Jewish perspective. In the Markean verses 8:27-33, 9:2-13; 9:31; 10:33; 10:35-45, the messiah is said to have had to suffer greatly, die, and rise again. Jesus proclaims many times that the “Son of Man” must be betrayed, rejected, arrested, killed, and ultimately rise again. Jesus’ claims largely fall on deaf ears as his disciples do not understand what he means when he says he will rise from the dead. They rarely question Jesus or his words but are silently curious as to what they may mean.

This new depiction of the messiah has some stark differences with the Jewish understanding of him. First, the traditional Jewish thought of the messiah was that he would be a king that would save the Jewish people. He was prophesied to lead the Jewish people to peace and save them from the unrelenting tyranny and oppression they faced. This view of the messiah can be seen when James and John request to sit in places of honor next to Jesus when he is on his thrown. It seems that even the disciples have a misunderstanding of who Jesus is and what he is trying to accomplish. James and John’s request emphasize their understanding of Jesus as the prophesied Jewish messiah. They still believe he will lead a revolution, leading the Jews to salvation. Jesus, however, planned on saving his disciples and his followers but not in the physical sense. It his hard for his followers to truly understand but Jesus does not plan to be anointed king and save the Jews from oppression but rather to save their spirit. Jesus wishes for people to have faith in him so that they may truly be in God’s kingdom. In order to achieve that, they must not seek glory and power but serve others.

Second, the traditional Jewish messiah does not rise from the dead. This was an innovation in the Christian tradition and explains why his disciples were so confused at Jesus’ resurrection statements. Their misunderstanding of Jesus as a savior bringing a new Jewish kingdom caused a deeper misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission.

The story of Bartimaeus is an important story regarding discipleship and faith in Jesus. This story teaches that faith in Jesus can cure the blind. In this story, Bartimaeus wholeheartedly believes in Jesus as the messiah and asks for his help with his blindness. Jesus immediately gives the man sight. He says “Go, for your faith has healed you”. This story demonstrates how faith in Jesus can save you but you must believe in Jesus as the son of God first. You cannot be wishing for things to happen to you but you have to have faith in him and he will save you. This can be applicable on a more spiritual level as well. For those who are spiritually blind must have faith in Jesus and he will save them. Bartimaeus, although he was physically blind, he was not spiritually blind like Jesus’s disciples and he had complete faith in Jesus. This story teaches that no matter your condition physically or spiritually, faith in Jesus will set you free.